Top Tussle Looms at Mornington

With less than a dozen strides separating the departure of the largest contingent of 2001 with the first of nine obstacles for the journey, a keen contest will be assured, with several runners eager to take a prominent position from wide alleys.

From barrier 9, Brian Constable will be looking for a clean getaway on the pony-sized Covet Cross and hoping that his arch enemy, Apollon doesn’t try and serve up a repeat dose of their last duel here, when the latter gave him everything but a moments peace in his bid to lead all the way, eventually going under to Knight’s Passage in a slugging go.

If Covet Cross can get his own way out in front here today, the Pat Hyland trained galloper could well be the testing material for some of the latest crop of debut jumpers.

Heading the pack of new arrivals will be Zabeel’s Pride, who, eleven days ago, had his premiere appearance cancelled by trainer, Jim Houlahan following a slight setback.

Having recovered from that, the 6yo son of Zabeel will looking to reproduce the form he showed at Cranbourne on February 5th, when taking out his initial public trial. If he happens to turn out a quarter as good as another Zabeel jumper that resides at Rosebud, both Houlahan and jockey Craig Durden could find themselves with a handy performer going into the winter months.

A switch to the hurdles, coupled with the return to his state -of -origin, may be just what the Gary Carson trained 9yo, Cafe Royal is looking for.

Having commenced his racing career with a fourth at Werribee as a 2yo, Cafe Royal was drafted north in the winter of 1995, commencing a four year stint in the sunshine state, which yielded 3 wins and 5 placing’s - and some obvious problems. It has been just over 49 months since Cafe Royal last won a race, a 1600 metre Class 3 event at Coffs Harbour and in the meantime has had only 20 starts to his name. His last 3 spells have comprised 238 days, 580 days and 368 days off respectively, so it is a credit to Carson that he has kept the gelding up for 5 starts (and a hurdle trial ) this preparation.

Gold Deputy will be another having his first sojourn into the world of jumps racing, but looks to have his work cut out for him here, unless a dramatic improvement in his ability to negotiate the hurdles has occurred in the 22 days following his Cranbourne trial.

Lightly raced 7yo, Lagos will be making the trip from Little River, with his trainer, Phillip Cakebread keen to capitalise on the gelding’s consistent flat form this time in, which has produced 3 seconds and 2 fourth over distances ranging from 1600 metres to 2210 metres, leaving nothing to chance on the score of fitness but only a query as to his ability to handle the aerial work at this, his first attempt.

Seven year old Kalida Scribe makes a return to hurdling today, having failed to notch a victory from eight previous attempts, with 2 third placing’s, one each at Pakenham and Warrnambool, being the best return for his connections to date.

Jockey Adrian Garraway will be hoping that Our Grades can provide him with another first start winner, following on from his victory aboard Latin Lava at Bendigo last Saturday week, whilst Beaumont Forrest, Indianapolis, Presidency, Tidy Tom and Tijuana Taxi will all be seeking to step up a rung or two from their efforts here last start.

Of that group, Tijuana Taxi looks to be the most threatening to Zabeel’s Pride and Covet Cross, the 5yo showing his honesty with minor placing’s at Terang, Warrnambool and Mornington since converting his career.

So we can expect to witness a captivating contest, one that will see the winners being able to sit back and enjoy a few of the sponsors product following correct weight, while the losers can but drown their sorrows in it !!!!!

All the best to all horses, jockeys, strappers and connections in today’s race and to everyone else.......................... GO JUMP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!